A LIVERPOOL legend and Tintwistle's most famous footballer has died aged 62.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Alf Arrowsmith, who passed away recently after a short illness.

The sporting hero - born in Hollingworth -was a pupil and played football for St Charles' in Hadfield before moving on to Tintwistle Villa.

The talented player made his mark scoring a massive 96 goals in the 1959/60 season - a club record which remains unbeaten today.

He moved to Ashton United where he played alongside future England star Alan Ball and within weeks was spotted by an Anfield scout.

On a transfer of just £1,500, Alf - then 17 - went on to play for Liverpool from 1960-68 under manager Bill Shankly who described him as being 'born to score goals.'

He counted soccer stars Roger Hunt and Tommy Lawrence among his team mates and was part of the side which won the league and charity shield in 1963/64.

Alf, who later played for Bury, Rochdale and Macclesfield, married Linda and had three daughters.

Daughter Julie, 37, said: "He lived life to the full, he had lots of energy and made a lot of people smile. He left here to go to Liverpool but he always called Glossop 'God's country' and he'll be remembered by a lot of people."

She added: "Apart from my mum and us three there was only one love of his life - it was Liverpool Football Club until the day he died.

"We like to think he's up there with Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley picking the team and spurring them on."

Tintwistle Villa manager, Billy Higginbottom, added: "Alf was certainly the local hero of football in Hadfield and Glossop. He was the Jimmy Greaves of local football and there's no one over 50 who won't remember him. He was a fantastic player and person and Tintwistle Villa was very proud and lucky to have him."